6 Things to Know Before Using No-Code App Builders for the First Time

The development of applications without coding is one of the most modern approaches in the modern flow of technology. If only a few years ago it was possible to make an application if you know how to program, today there are special platforms where you choose the specifications and features of your product, merge them, and visually build them. That way you optimize the functionality yourself, without having to write thousands of lines of code, look for errors, test and go back to code corrections.

Platforms like www.builder.ai are great for those who have a lot of ideas but do not have enough programming skills to be able to implement them. Although this does not mean the end of developers as one of the most sought-after professions in the world, it still makes it easier for those who do not have much start-up capital and still want to do something useful for themselves and society. Sometimes the same platforms are used to optimize or facilitate a workflow, thus saving a lot of time and money.

Thus, the term no-code is for all those who want to do something, to invest, to build something specific, without having to learn several programming languages. It was not so long ago that this was not possible, so many startups and small businesses could not take full advantage of having their own application or web platform. But today it is possible, especially if it is about basic and simple functionalities that make life easier. On the other hand, for a more specific and complicated development, there are still professionals who have studied or trained to be programmers.

1. How does this type of software work?

Most often, these are visual builders, from which you choose how you want your application to look. In fact, you can use blocks of functionality and content to get what you need, while choosing from the offered application design options. Most of them are based on the drag-and-drop approach in creating the visual part. Sure, each of these blocks is coded in the background, but that’s not something to worry about because someone else has already done that. It is up to you to choose what you need. This is the most basic thing you need to know about no-code software and what you can do with it.

2. Copyright is not protected

It is something that has already been done, and you just combine it and use it in a way that suits you. In most cases, you are allowed to launch the application for wider use, but in principle, you do not own the copyright to it, nor can you protect it as your own work. This does not prevent other businesses and companies from using yours as an example of their solution, or even completely copying it, by making changes only to the branding. When you subscribe to such a service, you agree to the terms of use of the platform itself, which means that you cannot define your own.

3. Speed ​​and flexibility at work

No-code software is great for anyone whose primary business is not programming and application development. Having your own app can be very expensive, especially for small businesses, because in addition to development, regular maintenance is paid for. But with ready-made block structures that just need to be properly combined, small businesses and startups can offer faster services and more flexibility to customers without having to invest money when the situation is uncertain. In the future, this application can be an example, foundation, and prototype on which to build something bigger and unique for the business itself.

4. You will have more control over costs

Every company has maintenance costs, salaries, and regular expenses. Maintaining applications is also expensive, so the no-code service offers more optimal budget planning. First of all, the most you can pay is a monthly or annual membership fee or some specific functionality that you need but is only available with a premium membership. So, there is no need to pay professionals who will do it for you, at least not in the early stages of developing your business.

5. You do not have much opportunity to be creative

The possibilities of this type of software are quite limited, so you cannot be very creative when building your application. This is not necessarily a bad thing if only the basic functionalities were important. But if you need an advanced application that includes many features and settings, then you need to invest in it and hire a company or individual to do what you are looking for. You do not have access to the code base, so making changes that are not available on the platform itself is virtually impossible. This means that the options for customizing the look to your liking are quite limited or non-existent.

6. You can use them for multiple purposes

First of all, we want to point out that if you need an app with high data protection and deep analytics, then no-code is not for you. But for informational, educational, and basic communication tools it is perfectly fine, especially if registration is not required from users. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people. Of course, there are many uses, but in principle, they are very basic and with limited usability.

As you can see, this type of software can greatly facilitate the launch of a new business, informal communication with customers, access to useful information and educational materials. However, as we said, try not to ask for too much personal information from the user, because it is open-source software and it is difficult to establish control over the data that is exchanged.

Like everything else, no-code has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to compare exactly what you need from it and it is useful for your business. That way, you can use them for their true purpose.